President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦25 billion for healthcare projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The funds will support the upgrade of hospitals and expansion of health services as part of the 2025 budget.

Announcing the allocation, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the investment reflects the government’s vision for a stronger healthcare system. He stressed that development in Abuja should go beyond roads and focus on improving essential services like hospitals.

At the same time, Wike revealed that the government has resolved a strike by resident doctors. Their demands included unpaid salaries, settlement of the 2025 Residency Training Fund, and full application of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Wike directed senior officials to begin immediate implementation of the agreement. He also thanked doctors for suspending their strike, saying their cooperation shows commitment to public health.

The announcement was made during the commissioning of new roads in Abuja. According to Wike, the government’s plan is to make the capital a model city where infrastructure and healthcare progress side by side.

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Seeking to sharpen fiscal performance and meet pressing needs, the Sokoto State Executive Council has approved the reallocation of ₦38.8 billion within the 2025 budget. The adjustment, officials say, will not raise the total expenditure but instead redirect funds to critical areas where they are most needed.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Abubakar Zayanna, said after the council meeting on Tuesday that the adjustment reflects a more “realistic and intentional” approach to public finance, aligning with both fiscal management rules and stakeholder demands.

He stressed that the budget size remains unchanged at ₦526.88 billion, but funds were shifted from dormant or underperforming allocations to critical sectors where resources are urgently required.

“All we did was move funds from one code to another,” Zayanna explained. “We reviewed non-discretionary capital receipts unlikely to materialise, cut the corresponding expenditure lines, and increased allocations in areas where revenues exceeded expectations. This adjustment will help us achieve 70 to 80 per cent performance before the end of the year.”

The commissioner added that the revision ensures every naira allocated serves the state effectively, preventing funds from sitting idle while pressing needs go unmet.

In addition to the budget realignment, the council approved reconstruction and rehabilitation works on Ali-Akilu Road and Abdullahi Podi Road. The projects are expected to ease flooding challenges, improve water flow, and provide lasting relief for communities hit by heavy rainfall.

According to a council statement, the interventions will mitigate further environmental and infrastructural damage.

The amended fiscal proposal will now be forwarded to the Sokoto State House of Assembly for consideration and approval, after which it will become enforceable.

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Rising property prices and escalating construction costs have long been challenges, but developers and stakeholders believe that strategic government initiatives could bring transformative changes.

Industry leaders are calling for measures to lower home loan interest rates, making housing loans more affordable and boosting demand for homeownership. They argue that income tax relief, particularly increasing the tax exemption limit, could significantly enhance disposable incomes and allow for greater investment in housing. Infrastructure development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is also high on the agenda, with experts highlighting its role in promoting balanced growth and reducing the strain on metro cities. A reduction in excise duty on fuel is another priority, as it could lower construction costs and help stabilize housing prices.

Aditya Kushwaha, CEO and Director of Axis Ecorp, emphasized the importance of tax relief for homebuyers and streamlined regulations. He also proposed tax benefits for investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) focused on premium commercial and residential properties, which could attract more investors and energize the sector. Additionally, he called for continued investment in infrastructure projects to sustain the housing market’s momentum and further integrate it into the broader economy.

Kushwaha, along with several other industry veterans, reiterated the long-standing demand to grant the real estate sector official industry status. He noted that such recognition would spur growth across ancillary industries, create jobs, and amplify overall economic activity. Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and Founder President of CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that increasing the tax exemption limit to ₹5 lakh and revising GST input tax credits could make housing more attractive for buyers and ease the financial strain on developers.

Amit Modi, Director of County Group, pointed out the rapid evolution of luxury and ultra-luxury housing segments. According to him, discerning buyers in both established and emerging markets are driving this trend, and policies that support these segments could unlock significant growth opportunities. Meanwhile, Rajjath Goel, Managing Director of MRG Group, highlighted the challenges posed by labor shortages, which have been exacerbated by construction bans and workforce migration. He urged the government to invest in skill development programs and explore automation and technology-driven solutions to address these gaps, ensuring quality and timely project delivery.

On the commercial side, Uddhav Poddar, CMD of Bhumika Group, urged the government to raise the Section 80C deduction limit for home loan repayments and to grant the sector industry status. He also called for policies that promote entrepreneurship, lower interest rates, and streamline the approval process, all of which could strengthen the sector’s ecosystem.

Developers like Dr. Gautam Kanodia of KREEVA and Kanodia Group emphasized the importance of reducing GST on construction materials to lower project costs. He also advocated for a single-window clearance system and tax relief measures, such as increasing the deduction limit under Section 80C, to provide homebuyers with greater financial flexibility and boost housing demand.

The sentiment for industry status echoed across the board, with Sandeep Chhillar, Founder-Chairman of Landmark Group, noting that such a move would amplify both foreign and domestic investments. He also proposed tax benefits for first-time homebuyers, which could drive homeownership and broader economic growth. Salil Kumar of CRC Group further stressed the importance of simplifying project approval processes, while Saurab Saharan, Group Managing Director of HCBS Developments, highlighted the role of the sector in providing employment, particularly for unskilled labor.

Real estate leaders agree that with the right policies, Budget 2025 could unlock the sector’s untapped potential. Measures like granting industry status, implementing single-window clearance systems, reducing taxes on construction materials, and incentivizing affordable housing could transform real estate into an even more significant driver of economic progress. As the nation awaits the government’s announcements, the sector’s aspirations remain rooted in the hope that this budget will prioritize reforms that align with the evolving needs of both developers and homebuyers

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